The isekai boom has brought anime fans a wide variety of memorable series. From early classics like “The Vision of Escaflowne” and “Digimon Adventure,” to more contemporary and self-aware titles, the isekai genre offers options for virtually every taste. Among these, one that has stood out enormously is “Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World”, a raw and at the same time captivating story that has gained a prominent place in the anime market.
“Re:ZERO” shares several key isekai elements: a protagonist who is transported from his world to a new one, filled with swords and magic; an incredibly attractive sorceress who guides him, and an adorable but powerful familiar. However, what sets “Re:ZERO” apart from other series in the genre is the particular skill of its protagonist, Natsuki Subaru, who has died and come back to life a horrifying number of times.
From the first episode, “Re:ZERO” sets a different tone. At the end of this episode, it is revealed that Subaru, a socially isolated young man and fan of video games, has the power to return to a specific point in the past every time he dies, something similar to “checkpoints” in a video game. This ability, known as “Return from Death,” allows him to maintain his memories of the events before his death, giving him the advantage of being able to change or avoid certain tragedies for a better outcome.
However, this power comes with significant drawbacks. Although Subaru retains his memories, the other characters do not, meaning he must rebuild key relationships each time he is “reset.” Furthermore, Subaru has to die to activate this ability, which means he must experience the pain and terror associated with death over and over again.
One of the most intense moments of the series occurs in the first episode, when Subaru and the half-elf Emilia are attacked by an unknown enemy. As Subaru lays dying from a fatal wound, he believes he is living his last moments. The fear he experiences, not knowing that he will be resurrected, is palpable and is heartbreakingly transmitted to the viewer.
Another of the most devastating moments for Subaru occurs when, in an attempt to save Rem, one of the main heroines, he decides to take his own life. After discovering that she was attacked by the Witch Cult and left in a coma, Subaru slits his own throat in hopes of returning to a point where he can save her. However, he revives at some point after his fight with the cult, realizing that he cannot change his destiny. Not only is this death emotionally draining for Subaru, but it also underscores the relentless nature of his ability and the helplessness he often experiences, even with his power.
To date, Subaru has died 17 times throughout the first two seasons of “Re:ZERO.” Although it may seem excessive, this mechanic is what differentiates “Re:ZERO” from other isekai. The series not only uses Subaru's death to advance the narrative, but also explores the emotional and physical complexity of a character who must repeatedly confront his own mortality.. Through these experiences, Subaru develops a unique strength that separates him from other protagonists of the genre.
The third season of the anime is currently airingand although we won't delve into recent events to avoid spoilers, Fans can expect Subaru's cycle of death and resurrection to continueproviding new layers to its development and that of the story in general.
Fountain: Comic Book Resources
